Kirby Smart talks '16 class, thinks Georgia will sign even better group next year

Georgia coach Kirby Smart is no stranger to recruiting in the SEC.

He landed his first recruiting class as a head coach Wednesday. Despite relatively small numbers, it still should finish as a composite top 10 group.

Still, Smart knows that the Bulldogs have the potential to land an even better class in 2017. He shared a few interesting insights with the media beyond the obligatory “I’m excited about this class.”

Kirby Smart says he's comfortable if the class ends up 18 to 21 players. He doesn't want to 'reach" and hurt next year's signing class.

— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) February 3, 2016

Kirby Smart says locking up Jacob Eason was "critical" to the success of the class. Praises Jim Chaney for getting him locked up

— CBS46 Sports (@CBS46Sports) February 3, 2016

Coach Kirby Smart: "It's critical for us to get good players from our state, we're obviously not gonna get them all."

— A-Town Sports (@A_Town_Sports) February 3, 2016

When Kirby Smart got here, he said he didn't really have much of a relationship with Jacob Eason. Called those in-home visits awkward

— Connor Riley (@Kconnorriley) February 3, 2016

Georgia's No. 1 need for 2017 is at offensive tackle, Kirby Smart says.

— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) February 3, 2016

Kirby Smart said Mecole Hardman wants to play DB but that it's very possible they give him the chance to play some on offense.

— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) February 3, 2016

Kirby Smart: "I don't recruit against Nick Saban. I recruit for the University of Georgia."

— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) February 3, 2016

Kirby Smart on place-kicking situation: "Scared to death."

— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) February 3, 2016

#UGA Kirby Smart: "Chubb is on schedule. Not trying to rush Nick back. Very disicipline in rehab. A lot of good prognosis coming back."

— Matthew Coca (@MatthewCocaCBS) February 3, 2016